•Check with your insurance company about policy coverage and specific filing requirements the company may have.

•Although you may be anxious to get things back to normal, avoid acting in haste. Don’t be pressured into signing contracts. Make temporary repairs if necessary.

•For major permanent repairs, take time to shop around for contractors, get competitive bids, check out references, and get a report from the BBB at www.bbb.org

•Be wary of door-to-door workers who claim your home is unsafe. If you are concerned about possible structural damage in your home, have an engineer, architect, or county official inspect it.

•Prepare a written agreement with anyone you hire. It should delineate the work to be done, the materials to be used, and the price breakdown for both labor and materials. Review it carefully before signing. Never pay for all repairs in advance, and don’t pay cash.

If you have any questions or would like to view other post disaster relief tips, please visit our website at www.bbb.org or call 501-664-4888

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - In the wake of last week's storm, some Arkansans will need master electricians to repair their homes before a utility company will reconnect services.

"I don't like it, but I can't control the weather," said Little Rock resident Mike Paulsen.

It was confirmed Monday Paulsen would need work done to his home before services can be restored.

"I called Entergy on Saturday and they said we might need an electrician, they'd send somebody out," said Paulsen.

Mary Tomlin(81) said she had the same work done last week.

"it's a very unexpected expense," said Tomlin.

Tomlin's neighbor, George Taylor said thanks to a mask now required by city code, the wires from his home were not torn down by trees. He said the mask is the union connected to your home which connects power from the utility company.

"It was less than $500," said Taylor.

Although most homeowners have insurance, most are still stuck with a deductable.

Although most homeowners have insurance, most are still stuck with a deductable.